All-New Ford Transit Custom Arriving Next Year, Adds To The One-Tonne Van Segment

Fresh off the back of winning the coveted International Van of the Year award13 for 2024, the all-new Ford Transit Custom will debut in Australia next year with improved technology, connectivity, and dynamics, helping business customers to achieve new levels of productivity.

A pair of variants will be available from launch, with both short-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) Transit Custom models being offered to Australian customers.

The all-new Transit Custom has been designed from the ground up to deliver outstanding performance and load-carrying capability. Long renowned for its safety and driver assistance technology, the all-new Transit Custom builds on this core product proposition with a van that excels in every respect.

The recommended Manufacturers List Price (MLP) for the 2023.75MY Transit Custom is as follows:

 

 

“Businesses both big and small will be able to purchase the all-new Transit Custom with confidence, knowing Ford engineers have worked hard to incorporate practical, purposeful features to help them get the job done,” said Andrew Birkic, President and CEO, Ford Australia.

“With the new award-winning Transit Custom, we’re continuing to deliver on our promise of offering our customers the best possible commercial vehicles, whether they’re after a van, a pick-up or a full-size truck.”

Both the Trend SWB and Trend LWB Transit Custom vans will feature a high-power, 2.0L EcoBlue Diesel engine mated to an efficient eight-speed automatic transmission. Power outputs are 125kW and 390Nm, with a claimed combined fuel efficiency of 8.0L/100km1. The Transit Custom features four drive modes2 (Normal, Eco, Slippery and Tow/Haul) that adjust drivetrain parameters to suit a wide range of driving conditions.

Ford engineers have worked hard on improving the useability of this new generation Transit Custom, with both a lower floor for improved ease of loading and unloading of cargo, along with an overall height under two metres to help access in height-restricted areas such as multi-storey car parks, garages, and underground loading bays. A new access step makes climbing up to the load compartment even easier and assisting rear visibility is a rear camera with 180-degree wide viewing capability2.

Significantly improving ergonomics and usability of the cabin is a walk-through, flat-floor design making cross-cab access easy. Allowing a driver to enter and exit the vehicle easily from both sides is a column mounted shifter and electric parking brake. The front wheels and strut towers have also been moved further forward, resulting in improved foot space and footrests for occupants in the front, as well as a shorter front overhang for more confident parking and maneuvering.

More technology is fitted as standard than ever before, with a new 13-inch central touchscreen featured in the cabin, alongside a 12-inch partial digital instrument cluster. The large central touchscreen runs Ford’s SYNC 43 infotainment system and has Sat-Nav as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto4. Wireless phone charging5 is fitted as standard, and for the first time for a Ford vehicle in Australia a 5G embedded modem is fitted to the Transit Custom to help improve connectivity. Transit Custom owners will also benefit from the functionality of the FordPass6 app that helps them stay connected with their vehicle.

Standard driver assistance technology for the all-new Transit Custom includes Adaptive Cruise Control7, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB and Intersection Assist8, Reverse Brake Assist9 and Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) With Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) and BLIS Assist2. All-new Transit Custom also introduces a roof-mounted airbag for the front passenger. Moving this airbag to the roof enables dashboard storage large enough to take a laptop or A4 file, giving customers easy access to their essentials. Helping keep drivers safe as they enter and exit the cabin is an Exit Warning2 system that uses the Transit Custom’s rear sensors to play an audible alert when an object such as a bicycle is approaching while the vehicle door is being opened.

Transit Custom has become legendary within the commercial van segment for its handling and dynamics, and Ford continues this tradition with the all-new Transit Custom. This new generation vehicle is not only lighter than the previous model, but has Independent Rear Suspension for improved comfort and handling. The Transit Custom’s maximum towing capacity has also increased for this generation, with Australian customers able to tow 2,500kg10 with both the SWB and LWB variants.

Recognising that this van is integral to our customers’ businesses, both the Short Wheelbase and Long Wheelbase Vans will come standard with the Load Area Protection Kit. This includes side and rear door protection as well as a moulded load floor liner.

All-new Transit Custom will feature Ultra-Bright LED Loadspace Lights (versus the Halogen equivalent in the out-going model) which illuminates the cargo area when the rear doors are open. The Ultra-Bright LED Loadspace Lights are particularly beneficial to our customers that regularly work at night or in poorly lit environments.

Transit Custom SWB models boast an impressive 1,269kg payload11 capability, with 1,223kg available for LWB models. Using the smart load-through feature under the passenger seats on the cabin, the Transit LWB has a maximum load length12 of 3,450mm, with 3,050mm available on the SWB model. In total 6.8 cubic metres12 of cargo can be loaded into the long wheelbase Transit Custom, along with 5.8 cubic metres12 for the short wheelbase.

Helping to simplify the buying process for Ford’s Australian customers, options have been streamlined to the below:

All-new Transit Custom will be available in the following colour palette:

Australian deliveries will begin in Q2, 2024.

Disclaimers:

1. Fuel consumption and emissions as per ADR 81/02 (combined cycle) and to be used for vehicle comparison purposes only. It is unlikely that this fuel consumption and emissions figure will be achieved in real world driving conditions. Actual fuel consumption and emissions will depend on many factors including the driver's habits, prevailing conditions and the vehicle's equipment, condition and use.

2. Driver-assist features are supplemental and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle. May not operate at certain speeds, or in certain driving, road or weather conditions. Please see Owner’s Manual for more information.

3. Don't drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible and don't use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all SYNC 4 features are compatible with all phones. SYNC screen appearance and functionality may change over time due to software updates.

4. Apple CarPlay / Android Auto requires phone with compatible version of Apple iOS / Android™ (as applicable), active data service, and connection cable (sold separately). SYNC® does not control Apple CarPlay / Android Auto while in use. Apple / Google and other third parties are responsible for their respective functionality. Message and data rates may apply. Apple CarPlay, Siri Eyes Free, iPod and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the US and other countries. Android Auto and Google Maps are trademarks of Google Inc. Ford Applink® is available on selected SYNC® models and is compatible with select smartphone platforms. Warning: Local laws prohibit some phone functions while driving. Check your local road rules before using these functions.

5. Wireless charging only available on compatible phones.

6. Use of FordPass is subject to the FordPass Terms and Privacy Policy available on ford.com.au/fordpass and requires a compatible mobile device, internet access and software (including software updates from time to time). FordPass functionality and appearance may change over time due to software updates. You are responsible for internet access, mobile network data and voice call services required for your use of the FordPass App on your mobile device, including associated fees. The FordPass App and FordPass Connect modem can only work when both are connected to the telecommunications network. The 2023.75MY Transit Custom contains a FordPass Connect Modem which will function on the 3G, 4G and 5G telecommunications networks. Ford cannot guarantee that FordPass will be in fully operating condition at all times and the FordPass App may be unavailable or particular FordPass services interrupted. Ford is not responsible for any limitations or restrictions of the telecommunications network or of your mobile device. Warning: Local laws prohibit some phone functions while driving. Check your local road rules before using these functions. Use Remote Vehicle Start and Stop responsibly and only in well ventilated areas where you are aware of your vehicle’s surroundings.

7. Adaptive Cruise Control has a minimum operating speed of 30km/hr.

8. Pre-collision Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking detects pedestrians, but not in all conditions, and can help avoid or reduce a collision. Intersection Assist does not detect all vehicles in intersection, pedestrians or cyclists. These do not replace safe driving. See Owner’s Manual for Limitations.

9. Reverse Brake Assist functions when in reverse and travelling at a speed of 2-12 km/h.

10. Maximum towing capacity braked using an appropriate aftermarket towbar and trailer brake controller. Subject to State and Territory regulations. To comply with these limits, occupants and / or luggage may need to be restricted to not exceed the GCM and GVM limits. For further details regarding passenger and luggage restrictions, please consult your authorized Ford Dealer and / or refer to the Owner’s Manual.

11. Subect to State and Territory regulations. Payload is defined as the Gross Vehicle Mass minus the kerb weight. Payload is the maximum combined value of occupants, cargo, added options, added structures and tow ball download (when towing). GVM must not be exceeded.

12. Load Area Protection Kit may impact cargo area dimensions and capacities.

13. Awarded by International Van of the Year: https://van-of-the-year.com/